Migration of trace metals in interfaces of seawater and polluted surficial sediments

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es60125a004· OSTI ID:7219820

Lu, J C.S.; Chen, K Y

The migration of trace metals between the interface of seawater and polluted surficial sediments under different redox conditions was studied on three typically polluted nearshore surficial sediments. The experimental results obtained showed that under different sets of redox conditions over a period of 4-5 months of sediment/seawater contact time, three general trends could be observed; the released amount increased as the redox condition became progressively reducing(Fe and Mn), the released amount increased as the environment became more oxidizing (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and there was no significant change of concentration in interfacial water (Hg and Cr). An equilibrium model was set up to confirm the experimental results. After long-term incubation in a reducing environment, most of the trace metals analyzed closely followed the predictions from equilibrium calculations. Complex formation accounted mainly for the concentration levels analyzed. Under aerobic conditions after long-term incubation, most of the analyzed concentrations were either far below (Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb) or far above (Fe and Mn) the equilibrium concentrations, probably due to the slowness in reaching the equilibrium condition or to the presence of unknown ligands.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles
• OSTI ID: 7219820
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 11:2; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROBIC CONDITIONS
CADMIUM
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHROMIUM
COPPER
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INCUBATION
INTERFACES
IRON
LEAD
MANGANESE
MASS TRANSFER
MERCURY
METALS
NICKEL
OXIDATION
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
REDUCTION
SEAWATER
SEDIMENTS
SURFACES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WATER
WATER POLLUTION
ZINC